The AFL community is in mourning today following the sudden death of former Brisbane Lions star Troy Selwood who sadly passed away at the age of 40.
Selwood’s family announced that he passed away on Tuesday, February 4, in a statement in which his loved ones reflected on the “joy and light” he brought to those close to him.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and father, Troy this morning. We will miss Troy more than words can express,” the family said.
“Troy was a much loved and loving member of our family. Over the course of his life, Troy brought joy and light to all who knew him.
“He was a loving son of Maree and Bryce, a supportive and caring brother to Adam, Joel and Scott, and a doting father of beautiful children Tom and Sadie.
“We will miss Troy’s bravery, his humour, his deep thinking, his love and compassion. Troy had a generosity of spirit, cared deeply about people and strove to make the lives of others better.
“We are grateful to all those that have supported Troy throughout his life, and we know that his many friends, teammates and colleagues will miss him greatly.”
Born on May 1, 1984, Selwood’s AFL journey began when he was drafted by the Brisbane Lions with the 19th pick in the 2002 AFL Draft from Sandhurst. After spending the 2003 and 2004 seasons on the sidelines, he made his debut for the Lions in Round 1, 2005, wearing the number 28 guernsey against St Kilda. Between 2005 and 2010, Selwood played 75 games for the Lions.
After being delisted by Brisbane at the end of 2010, Selwood joined his brothers Joel and later Scott at Geelong, playing for their VFL team. He led the Cats to a VFL premiership in 2012 and continued to play the following year, before retiring after a loss in the 2013 VFL Grand Final.
As news of Selwood’s passing spread, the AFL community, along with fans, paid tribute to a “wonderful person,” with many expressing how much they “loved watching him play.”
“We are heart broken by the loss of our son, brother and father, Troy this morning. We will miss Troy more than words can express.
Troy was a much loved and loving member of our family. Over the course of his life, Troy bought joy and light to all who knew him. He was a loving… pic.twitter.com/FXaGIL1RTW
— AFL (@AFL) February 4, 2025
Geelong Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Troy Selwood.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Troy’s family, children and friends.
Rest peacefully, Troy.
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) February 4, 2025
We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Troy Selwood this morning.
Our thoughts are with the Selwood family, his parents Maree and Bryce, brothers Scott, Joel and Adam, and his children Tom and Sadie.https://t.co/LUOW38THlm
— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) February 4, 2025
Absolutely gutted to learn of the passing of Troy Selwood. 😭
My heart breaks for the Selwood family, but especially to his twin, Adam. #RIPTroySelwood pic.twitter.com/5d5wIOYaXr
— Rhiannon Elizabeth Irons (@Ahlephia) February 4, 2025
I had a few chats with Troy Selwood in the lead up to the draft last year in his role with Granmar. On top of being a really kind person, he cared so much about those around him and seeing them succeed. Won’t forget it soon. Just a wonderful person. Vale. pic.twitter.com/TodFurXomT
— Andrew Johnston (@ARJ7X) February 4, 2025
I remember buying a Troy Selwood badge as a kid. Loved watching him play when he could get on the park. What a sad sad loss. Rip mate.
— Ben Thorpe (@Auzzzii) February 4, 2025
Devastating news – much love being sent out to the Selwood family and all who knew and loved him
— Ellemenopee (@Ellemenopee68) February 4, 2025
If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline — 13 11 14; MensLine Australia — 1300 789 978; BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800.
-with AAP.